Pistols (Gordon Barlow)
The Kentucky Flintlock Pistol has its origins in the late 18th century and it became popular among soldiers, hunters, and duelists during the `18th And 19th centuries. Kentucky flintlock pistols with decoration arrived in the 1st quarter of the 19th century.
Flintlock pistols were mostly used in the military. They were especially popular among the cavalry, as they were relatively small, easy to carry, and could be used with one hand. Aside from military applications, the flintlocks were also used in civilian life for protection, hunting and duels. Due to their expense and unique designs (each having its own decoration) they were also viewed as status symbols.
Kentucky flintlock pistols are exceptionally rare as production estimates are about one pistol for every 250 longrifles in the 18th and 19th centuries. These pistols were used as self-defense weapons until the middle of the 19th century. Their effective range was short and often they were used as a complement to a musket, longrifle, sword or knife. In combat, usually these weapons were used for a single shot. In hand-to-hand combat, the pistol was used as a blackjack, since the circumstances did not allow to recharge them in time.
Today, gunsmiths make beautiful decorated flintlock pistols thus creating art that is the best the world has ever seen.
Pistol by Judson Brennan, Delta Junction, Alaska